UT football: Ash, McCoy speak

Quarterback Case McCoy played a key role in the Longhorns' win over the rival Aggies, but didn't see the field in the Holiday Bowl. (Brett Coomer/Chronicle)

AUSTIN — Case McCoy walked off Texas’ practice field on Tuesday, entered an interview room and said firmly, “Nothing’s being given to anyone.”

It wasn’t too much of a stretch to conclude that in this case, “anyone” meant David Ash.

Despite Ash’s performance in the Longhorns’ Holiday Bowl victory over California, in which he played the entire game and was named the most outstanding offensive player, UT coach Mack Brown has insisted his starting quarterback job remains open this spring.

Tuesday, the two main candidates corroborated that story. McCoy and Ash said they’re competing daily for the job, and welcome the challenge. McCoy, who also refuted reports that he considered transferring, admitted it was tough to watch Ash from the sideline in the bowl game, but said “I was proud of him.”

Ash said he’s spent the last two months working on his mechanics, and did not act disappointed in having to reclaim the role some assumed he won in December. He said he thinks every job should be up for grabs, except for cases where one player has clearly done enough to seize it.